Portuguese Phrase
Preciso ir agora mesmo.
Meaning
I need to go right now. The speaker is expressing an urgent need to leave immediately, often because of an appointment, a sudden obligation, or an emergency.
When to use
Use this phrase when you have to leave a conversation, a meeting, or a place at once. It works in both formal and informal contexts, but the tone can sound a bit abrupt, so you may soften it with a polite excuse if needed.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Precisoiragoramesmo
Preciso (verbo precisar)
‘Preciso’ é a primeira pessoa do singular do presente do indicativo de ‘precisar’, que significa ‘necessitar’ ou ‘ter que’.
ir (verbo infinitivo)
‘ir’ é o infinitivo do verbo de movimento, usado aqui como complemento de ‘preciso’.
agora mesmo
Locução adverbial que intensifica a ideia de imediatismo, equivalente a ‘right now’ ou ‘immediately’.
🗨In Conversation
Preciso ir agora mesmo.
I need to go right now.
Claro, sem problemas. Até a próxima!
Sure, no problem. See you next time!
✕Common Mistakes
Preciso ir agora mesmo
Avoid omitting the period; the phrase is a complete sentence and should end with a punctuation mark.
Sou ir agora mesmo.
Do not use ‘ser’ instead of ‘precisar’; ‘ser’ does not convey necessity.
Preciso ir agora, mesmo.
‘Agora mesmo’ should stay together; separating it changes the meaning.
↔Alternatives
Tenho que ir agora.
I have to go now.
Preciso sair imediatamente.
I need to leave immediately.
Tenho que sair já.
I have to leave right away.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, saying ‘Preciso ir agora mesmo’ can be perceived as a bit abrupt, especially in a social setting. It’s common to add a brief excuse like ‘Desculpa, mas…’ (Sorry, but…) to soften the request. In more formal environments, you might prefer ‘Preciso me retirar agora’ which sounds more courteous.